HT GIFA a runaway hit among youngsters eager to learn and excel

For the second year running, the HT Great Indian Football Action (GIFA) is expected to make a big impact on school-going children in the Delhi-NCR region. In fact, after the first round last weekend, the winning teams were seen chalking out plans for the next round.

For the second year running, the HT Great Indian Football Action (GIFA) is expected to make a big impact on school-going children in the Delhi-NCR region. In fact, after the first round last weekend, the winning teams were seen chalking out plans for the next round.

A Heavenly Bodies team player reacts after scoring a goal against Groove Strikers during the HT GIFA match at DPS school RK Puram, in New Delhi, on September 27, 2015. (Sanjeev Verma/HT Photo)

According to DR Saini, principal, Delhi Public School (RK Puram), a majority of students lead a sedentary lifestyle, hardly indulging in sporting activities. Surprisingly, an event like GIFA will keep the participating teams on their toes. Saini, who has a passion for sport, said GIFA was a good initiative for promoting sport at the grassroots. “It’s a big thing, many are coming forward to play and sweat it out on the field. This is the way to channelise youthful energy in a constructive way.”

GIFA, said Saini, had captured the imagination of youngsters in the region. If schools were not fielding teams, players from surrounding areas formed a club or team to compete, thus indicating that students had been gripped by the event, which allows them to kick the ball around.

KR Manglam Madrista players celebrate after scoring a goal against Leaders FC team during the HT GIFA football match at DPS school RK Puram, in New Delhi, on September 27, 2015.

When Nitish Sahni & Co enrolled their team, Nirvana Tigers, in the junior category, they hardly had an idea on how to go about it against their opponents in the first round. After a win, things have changed for the youngsters as they are looking forward to the next round this weekend. Nitish and his team have their eyes set on another victory. “We have been playing for long, but this is a platform to show our talent and win the overall trophy,” he said about making an impact in the tournament.

Parents during the HT GIFA match at DPS school RK Puram, in New Delhi, on September 27, 2015.

Nitish’s mother, Shalu, is also excited about the event. “It will definitely help instill fighting spirit in the students and will have lasting impact on them.”

The event is not just keeping competitors and their parents on the edge, former sportspersons like Rupa Chakravorty, principal of Suncity School, Gurgaon, too is keenly involved. According to Chakravorty, students will get a chance to learn leadership qualities.

“GIFA is giving the children an opportunity to open their mind and explore more.”